After a brief welcome address by our Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Abdul - Samed Tanko, the Head of Occupational Therapy, Ms. Mirabel Gyasi spoke on the various stroke types, warning signs, and timely interventions for stroke victims. Ms. Mirabel Daisy Gyasi, Head of Occupational Therapy, spoke on stroke, explaining its three main types. She described ischemic stroke, usually caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow to the brain, hemorrhagic stroke, often arising from a burst blood vessel, and transient ischemic attacks, or “mini-strokes,” which serve as warnings for major strokes.

According to her, common warning signs include facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulties, severe headaches, dizziness, and vision problems. Emphasizing timely intervention, she explained that prompt medical attention can save lives and reduce long-term damage. She also highlighted long-term interventions, such as exercise, a healthy diet, medications as prescribed by a doctor, and regular check-ups to support recovery and prevent future strokes. Ms. Gyasi emphasized the role of occupational therapy in helping patients regain independence and confidence. 

 

The programme reached an emotional peak when a stroke survivor shared his experience about how his stroke struck suddenly while he was driving and how his wife rushed him to the UGMC. “When I thank God, I also thank UGMC,” he said. “UGMC was my lifesaver.” He praised the UGMC physiotherapy and occupational therapy teams for helping him to regain his independence, dignity, and quality of life.

 

Dr. Tanko commended both the survivor and the therapy team and emphasized the need for stronger collaboration amongst the neurology, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy teams. He also spoke on the importance of hypertension prevention, which could help minimise the rising incidence of strokes in Ghana. He also used the opportunity to share plans for the Centre to establish an Outpatient Department Complex that will integrate therapy services, along with a dedicated stroke unit, to enhance rehabilitative care at the Centre.

 

The keynote speaker, Dr. Jacqueline Kendona, a Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Certified Reiki Practitioner, Certified Lymphedema Therapist and Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Ghana, highlighted the often-overlooked role of occupational therapists in neurological rehabilitation. Dr. Kendona highlighted the essential role of occupational therapy in helping patients regain their independence and confidence. She added that occupational therapists help patients relearn how to eat by themselves, button a shirt, or even hold a spoon. According to Dr. Kendona, the goal of occupational therapy is not only to make the patient walk again. "We go far beyond that. After a stroke, even the smallest daily task can feel like an impossible challenge to the patient" she said. She revealed to the audience that beyond physical rehabilitation, occupational therapists focus on the restoration of cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, helping patients to think clearly and live independently again.

She also revealed that therapists involve families every step of the way because recovery doesn’t happen in isolation but continues at home, where love and support make healing complete. "Occupational therapy is about restoring dignity, purpose, and the ability to live meaningfully once again" she stated. Dr. Kendona concluded her presentation by encouraging occupational therapists to assert their value: “If you are not called to the table, go to the table... and if you get there and there’s no chair, carry your own chair” she said.

 

The event ended with a lively question-and-answer session and closing remarks by Mr. Donald Gaviston, occupational therapist intern at the UGMC.